Need Recommendation

[Mike McCall]

So, a family member is looking for a good laptop for ~$500 or less (I know). She purchased an HP Pavilion that is so slow I'm resetting it so she can take it back. I honestly don't know what to recommend for her and would appreciate suggestions.

 

[Markverhyden]

Did you try an SSD in that laptop? Instant performance boost in almost every situation.

 

[trevm999]

Refurbished business class laptop and put in an SSD (or get one that already has one). Ends up being cheaper than the bottom end consumer class junk and performs way better.

 

[Mike McCall]

Ugh, she insists on new (had that discussion). This HP has an i5 processor, but it runs at 1.6GHz making it really slow. It's actually for my niece who graduated Texas A&M this year. It's replacing a Lenovo T4xx (don't remember the specific model) which she got for college 4-years ago. I would just put an SSD in it and continue to run with it, but what do I know? Her mother insists on replacing it but no one can tell me why. Family stuff is always convoluted.

 

[marley1]

I've had a few clients get i5 machines at Costco and we add SSD, fast

 

[Mike McCall]

This may not go anywhere as this family member (sister-in-law) simply will not listen to anything I tell her. The only way she will buy refurbished is if it came with an extended warranty which includes spills, drops, etc. She's looking for a unicorn for <$500. If you want my help, listen to what I say. If you won't listen, go away! Ugh!

 

[Porthos]

f it came with an extended warranty which includes spills, drops, etc.

Good luck on that one. That requires a separate warranty purchase.

Family stuff is always convoluted.

Busy topic here as of late.

 

[Porthos]

I would not want it but..... little over buget but...
https://www.costco.com/.product.100407264.html?&EMID=B2C_2018_0803_MovieTickets

Has 2nd yr warranty.

 

[Porthos]

14 inch https://www.costco.com/.product.100376947.html?&EMID=B2C_2018_0803_MovieTickets

 

[Porthos]

There is also square trade for accident warranty but not cheap.
https://www.squaretrade.com/laptop-warranty

 

[Mike McCall]

I would not want it but..... little over buget but...
https://www.costco.com/.product.100407264.html?&EMID=B2C_2018_0803_MovieTickets

Has 2nd yr warranty.

Hahaha!

 

[Mike McCall]

14 inch https://www.costco.com/.product.100376947.html?&EMID=B2C_2018_0803_MovieTickets

Same with this one.

 

[Mike McCall]

There is also square trade for accident warranty but not cheap.
https://www.squaretrade.com/laptop-warranty

Already looked at this.

 

[trevm999]

If she wants a nice new good laptop as a present, she's going to have to pit out the money for it. Otherwise she should just get her something else

 

[Mike McCall]

If she wants a nice new good laptop as a present, she's going to have to pit out the money for it. Otherwise she should just get her something else

Unfortunately, I'm not dealing with a rational person.

 

[nerd2u]

Your best bet is to watch for something on sale last time I went down this rabbit hole with a friend it was a total pain in the ass. Got lucky to spot a deal and told him to get it.

The Biggest problem I find is Chromebooks have flooded the sub 500$ market making it nearly impossible to find a decent laptop for $500.

With back to school around the corner you may get lucky

Sent from my SM-G870W using Tapatalk

 

[Slaters Kustum Machines]

I've had good luck with this vendor: https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Latitude-E6430-Notebook-Professional/dp/B01GI6EX4I/

Priced low enough you can throw an SSD at it and still be at the $500 mark.

 

[Porthos]

I've had good luck with this vendor: https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Latitude-E6430-Notebook-Professional/dp/B01GI6EX4I/

Priced low enough you can throw an SSD at it and still be at the $500 mark.

If they want a 14 inch laptop.

I would do the 15 inch already has the SSD https://www.neweggbusiness.com/product/product.aspx?item=9b-34-294-862

 

[Slaters Kustum Machines]

If they want a 14 inch laptop.

I would do the 15 inch already has the SSD https://www.neweggbusiness.com/product/product.aspx?item=9b-34-294-862

Sure, I've supported both in the corporate world, but the 65 series is much heavier.

 

[Mike McCall]

So, she left here awhile ago and will head home tomorrow. She said she's going to return the laptop, but there's currently no plan to replace it. She won't listen to what I tell her, has unrealistic expectations, and always thinks she's right. So, until something changes I'm sitting this one out. She expects to replace a very good Lenovo T series which has lasted my niece for 6-years (I learned today) with nothing but a hard drive replacement, for under <$500. Having graduated this year I get her desire to get something different. So why not wait until you have a couple of paychecks in-hand and go buy what you want? I don't think I'm getting the whole story on this. Anyway, I'm staying away until something changes.